This week is a special week. We’re only five countries away from finishing cooking the world. Four years ago, I was afraid I wouldn’t make it to the letter “B,” let alone V! But I’m stubborn. And I love learning. And I’m … stubborn. If all goes according to plan, we’ll be done in less than 2 months! This is an appropriate time to take a pause… to take a week to breath in and settle into the idea of the finish line being so close. For many of us, this is coming much too quickly. In my family, we think this is a great time, though, too. We’ve spent four years celebrating the world. Four years teaching our daughter to love her world. Four years with all of you. As you may have noticed, we’re having a HUGE party at Philbrook Museum this weekend called the Global Table Experience. There’ll be samplings from 175 countries, prepared by 16 chefs and cooking schools in the Tulsa area. Never before has food from so many countries …

Ho, ho, ho! The time has finally come! We’re beyond excited to announce the winners of this year’s Gingerbread for Peace Competition. Every year I love looking at your beautiful creations. You and your power over icing never cease to amaze me… which is why, if it were up to me, you’d all win. Truly, truly. And that, my friends, is why I enlist the help of an amazing panel of judges. With that said, I’d like to thank our sweet judges, who have the tough (impossible!) job of rating the contestants on the following criteria: – Overall design – Creativity – Difficulty & Technique – Neatness & Precision – Adherence to theme of Gingerbread for Peace and Globally inspired structure – How much does the essay relate to the theme.. So THANK YOU to Jenny Buccos from ProjectExplorer.org for who is a powerhouse of energy, bringing the world into the heart of the classroom. Her virtual field trips make it possible for children to not just “see” the world, but to learn about it in the context of math, …

UPDATE: Thank you all for entering the contest. The lucky winner is Jordan, as chosen by Random.org! Please contact me to claim your prize, Jordan! I’ll be sure to get more in stock so everyone can purchase some soon. I’m thrilled at the wonderful response and all your fantastic emails. Thank you so much, you lift my spirit and keep me strong on this culinary marathon! I make a lot of trips to the grocery store. Over the years I’ve tried out many different kinds of reusable grocery bags and I’ve come to some serious, life-shattering conclusions. Well, okay, maybe not that serious. But still. Here’s my thoughts, in a nutshell… Reusable Wisdom 1. Forget about it. If I forget to bring the bag, it’s worthless to me. The types of bags I am guaranteed to forget are the large tote style. By the time I’m done unloading the groceries, I’m ready to flop on the couch. The last thing on my mind is going back outside to put them in the car. And if I do remember? …

About a year ago I was in a strange place. I was a new mom. My hair was a mess. My eyes were crusty. I hadn’t slept through the night for over a year – since about the time Ava started trying to push her bottom through my ribs. From the inside. Yawn. About this time I was also looking for purpose. Like deep, soul searching purpose. I got a haircut, but it didn’t help. I wanted (needed) to make a difference at home and in the world. I had sweet baby Ava and my love & best friend, Keith – so at home was covered. But what about in the world? What could I do to make a difference? On one of my sleepless nights, at about midnight, I woke my husband up. Yes, it was a work night. Yes, he’s a very patient man. In the whispers and flickers of the night we hatched a plan. Here we are a year later – You and me. You and Keith (a.k.a Mr. Picky). You …

Dear readers, As we lead up to the blog’s one-year anniversary, I want to celebrate you. Although we’ve never met, here are the things I imagine about you: You like to cook. Perhaps you like to bake. You dream of traveling the world, seeing new places, new faces. Cute babies make you smile. Am I right? Some of you have been here since the beginning, watching the site evolve through each great success and epic failure. Some of you just joined the fun, jumping in with enthusiasm. I thrive on your energy. Thank you all. Travel – even virtual – is so much more fun with the company of friends. To show my appreciation I am giving one lucky winner (or someone they love ) 45 new French Square Spice Jars. Here’s what’s awesome about them: They’re pretty. The base is square, meaning they won’t turn and pivot on you when you are putting them away. Your labels will always face the right direction They fit perfectly in drawers, which is the best place for your spices (dark and cool) …

Power tools, fireplaces, and an entire town made of “gingerbread” – today is all about gingerbread. First up, the winning entry to our Global Gingerbread Contest: Here’s the story behind her house: As a recent graduate with a degree in European History and a concentration in Slavonic/East European Studies, I really wanted my “international/foreign” house to reflect that region. While I originally hoped to incorporate some designs common to Psyanki or Wycinanki (aka, ornately dyed easter eggs and polish paper cuttings), I eventually settled on creating a little house inspired by the Slovak village of Čičmany. This tiny village is well known for its beautiful folk architecture that has been carefully maintained and preserved over the years–all the buildings are covered in a variety of white-painted patterns and designs. As a result, the houses really do look something like life-sized gingerbread houses! While the village is, of course, quite unique, I believe it does reflect many motifs and values that are common through the last few hundred years of Eastern European folk tradition. It also …

I’m a sucker for the holidays. I wish I could live in a gingerbread house. One weekend a year I *almost* live out my dream… our dining room table spills over with candy, cookies, and frosting. I love the creativity. The fun. The family bonding. Being covered in sugar. This year I’d love it if you would join us… virtually. I’d even like to give away a nifty prize to the best gingerbread house. Are you game? Here’s how the contest will work: Make a Global Gingerbread House. It must be about 90% edible. The theme is international/global/foreign … be creative! Email: Sasha at global table adventure dot com. Include: A photo 100 word description/story about your house A link to your blog post about the contest. Ideally, your blog post will have more pictures and details about the “making of.” (Having a blog is not a requirement). Deadline is December 20, 2010 at midnight, Central time. After I look everything over, I will share my favorites here, on the blog. Finally, I’ll pick a winner. …

I should have known. When it comes to choosing between apple or pumpkin pie, there can only be two winners. Six votes went to each pie. Now I know – both pies are equally loved. And, as promised, here are our two winners, selected at random by Random.org, and their comments. Carole68 I am thankful for the guardian angel that stood by my side and kept me out of the big trouble I could have gotten into ; thankful for my two beautiful daughters that lighten up my life ; for the good people in this world. My vote goes to apple pie… because it’s really a favourite here in our family, but also because pumpkin pie is not traditional here and we’ve never tasted it ! (we will one day). and to … AnneSATX My father passed away last month and I will be eternally grateful that the last thing I said to him the night before was, “I love you, Dad.” As for pie? Pumpkin, no contest! We enjoyed reading everyone’s entries to the …

I’ve heard Christmas music on the radio all week. Can you believe it? Call me old fashioned, but I think Thanksgiving deserves a little more time in the limelight. We need to sit in gratitude and savor every moment. The way I look at it, life is beautiful. I endured serious hardship in my early years, but I got through it. How? By first believing that, in this great, big, topsy-turvy world, there’s always something to be thankful for… and second, by looking for just that thing to appreciate, that thing that could lift me outside of my grief. Sometimes it simply takes getting out there and… Trying something new… … No matter what the consequences… Gritting your teeth if necessary! And so, in the spirit of appreciation and gratitude, I want to thank YOU for joining this Global Table Adventure. Eating one meal for every country in the world is fun, but it’s even better with your support and company 🙂 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Now, for our little giveaway. Use it …

Because the leaves are changing, and because I’m feeling fiesty, let’s do a book giveaway. And not just any book give away. This is a “must have” book for anyone who loves Latino/Caribbean food. (Mmmm, doesn’t everyone?) The book: Latin & Caribbean Grocery Stores Demystified by Linda Bladholm There’s nothing I enjoy more than plunging into one of Miami’s many latin markets with Linda at my side–and now you can, too, wherever you live. Her carefully researched, clearly presented information will let you shop with confidence. And her charming and enthusiastic approach will make it fun. This indispensable guide will turn your trepidation into delight. –Kathy Martin, Food Editor, The Miami Herald How to win: I’m guessing that you read this web site because you are interested in international food, travel, and culture. Awesome. Or you are standing by to see if I actually can cook one meal for every country in the world! Or perhaps you just like watching videos of cute babies eating international food…. which, trust me, I get. Super-duper. Either way…. …